Part 3

Discussion

05 It is not compulsory for you to talk about all the options given. What Remember,
important is for you to discuss each option in details. Remember to only ONLY DISCUSS!
discuss the option and DO NOT come up with any decision yet. You will be Do not make any decision yet
asked by the interlocutor to do so in the stage 2 of Speaking Part 3

06 3 (2) Making a choice

Show your capability at making a
3(2) : In the second part, the interlocutor asks Avoid making a choice. Make it interactive! To
you to summarise your thoughts, for example decision instantly help you with this, you might want
by choosing the option that is the best and
to consider these steps:
saying why. You have one minute to do this.

1 2 3 4
Your partner share
Recall TWO prompts from the Confirm the choice Final decision
their idea.
previous discussion. Highlight
He/she makes a choice
your choice. Ask your
partner’s idea.

07 Here is an example for you

This sample answer follows the steps I have above. Can you identify which is which?

1 A : I think I like your previous ideas that both hand phones and the internet are the most important inventions. However,
I personally think that the internet is the most important invention. How about you?
2 B : From what we have discussed, I am in favour with your opinion that the internet is the most important invention
because we benefited a lot from it.
A : Yes I agree. It brings numerous advantages for us. So, should we choose the internet as the most important
3 invention?
B : Yes, I think we should choose the internet.
A : Alright let’s go with the internet.
4
B : Sure, let’s choose the internet. If you feel comfortable with
these steps, you can use this
08 Making a Choice Template template to help you.

A : I think I like your previous ideas that ____________________________________________________________________.

However, I personally think that _________________________________________________________. How about you?
B : From what we have discussed, I am in favour with your opinion that _________________________________________
because ___________________________________________________________________________________________.
A : Yes I agree (because) it_______________________________________________________________________________.
So, should we choose ________________________________________________________________________________?
B : Yes, I think we should choose ________________.
A : Alright let’s go with ________________________. Make sure your response
B : Sure, let’s choose _________________________.
answering the questions
09 Go on YouTube and search for “FCE asked!
Speaking Parts 3 & 4 + useful phrases” by
Simple English Video for more help with this
topic.
 Part 3
Discussion

10 3 (3) Answering Questions

The examiner asks you a question. You answer
In this part of the test, you have about
it. But it's not the same as Part 1 where you give
2 minutes to talk about the topic from
answer to interlocutor. In this stage you should
stage 3 (1) in more detail. You are
provide answers and you should respond to
tested on your ability to give opinions,
your partner's answers, and also, you should
give reasons for your opinions, and
ask for their opinions.
your ability to politely discuss things
with your partner.
03 Tips for Speaking Stage 3 (3) Answering Questions

The questions in part 4 are not

'I don't know' is a BAD answer. You can When the exam is over,
written down, so you have to
1 say, 'Oh, what a question! I never thought say goodbye but don't ask
listen carefully. If you don't 3
about it before, but maybe...' That gives how well you did. Also,
understand the question, ask the you a little bit of time to think of don't start laughing or
examiner to repeat it. 5 speaking your own
something to say.
language until you have
Always explain your answers. If
Use some interesting vocabulary, and try left the room - it's not a
2 you don't explain your answers, 4 to use a variety of words. e.g. instead of job interview but there's
the examiner will always ask
'good' you might say amazing; interesting; no reason to make a bad
'why?' It's much better if you say
costly; over-rated or another word you impression.
why on your own.
have learned.
11 You can also refer to this key language and
Ideas for talking about a topic to help you. Look at sample answers below. Why do think each underlined
12
part is a good feature for answer Speaking Part 3(3)
Buying Time
I've never really thought about that, but... Q : Some people say we travel too much these days and
That's a good question. shouldn't go on so many holidays. What do you think?
That's an interesting question. Candidate A:
Giving Your Opinion I think it's (1) true we take too many flights - that's a big problem
It's clear to me that... because of the pollution (2) . But I don't have a problem with
One thing I'm sure of is... people traveling by train - we all work very hard and need a
I might be wrong but ... break. Travel broadens the mind because we meet more foreign
I'm no expert but... people (3) . And you, Jack? (4)
Giving Reasons for Your Opinions
... so it's obvious that... Candidate B:
... That means...
You might be right (5) but I heard there is a new word called a
Adding Reasons
staycation (6) - it's a vacation you have in your home. Maybe
Another thing is...
that's good because it's cheap, but probably you end up doing
Apart from that, ...
your work or something. (7) So its obvious that people need to go
Just as importantly, ...
away on holiday to make sure all they can do is relax and enjoy
Asking Your Speaking Partner
their time. (8)
What do you think, Jack?
Don't you agree? Go on YouTube and search for “FCE
Do you have anything to say about that? Speaking Parts 3 & 4 + useful phrases”
Interrupting Politely 13
by Simple English Video for more help
Do you mind if I add something? with this part.
I'd like to comment on that.
If I could just make a point.
 Part 3 PRACTICE &
Discussion SAMPLE NASWER

01 The following are individual sample answers for common topics. Remember to make them interactive!

Travel Where You Live

Do you think you have to spend a lot of money to have a What can people do to have a good holiday in your
good holiday? country?
No, I don't think you have to spend a lot of money, but it helps. Oh, they should definitely go to York. York is one of the most
Money makes things easier: like you can stay in the city attractive cities in Britain and Yorkshire is just gorgeous.
centre instead of the outskirts. But many fun things are free, And the people there are much more friendly than in other
like walking beside a river, and there are always cheap cities. So, you're very likely to have a nice time there.
restaurants if you have time to look. What do you think, Jack?
What's good about living in cities in your country?
Some people say we travel too much these days and Personally, I think one of the best things about living in
shouldn't go on so many holidays. What do you think? Britain is the weather. No, seriously! I love rainy days and I
I think it's true we take too many flights - that's a big problem feel like everyone is a little bit less noisy when it's raining.
because of the pollution. But I don't have a problem with And everyone knows that British food is the best in the world.
people traveling by train - we all work very hard and need a So, we've got the best weather and amazing restaurants.
break. Travel broadens the mind and maybe if we meet more
foreign people, we won't have so many stupid discussions If you could choose to visit a city you've never been to,
about immigration. which one would you choose?
I really want to go to Tokyo one day - it's so big and crazy
And you, Jack? and there's a lot of things happening all the time. Just seeing
it on the TV makes it seem like a fantastic place to visit, but I
Why do you think people like to go away on holiday? don't think I'd want to live there.
I heard there is a new word called a staycation - it's a
vacation you have in your home. Maybe that's good because Would you prefer to live in a modern city or a city with
it's cheap, but probably you end up doing your taxes or lots of history?
something. So, people need to go away on holiday to make I love history and a lot of modern buildings have no charm.
sure all they can do is relax and enjoy their time. So that's an easy answer. On the other hand, I've lived in
some beautiful buildings that had very thin windows and no
insulation, so a mix of both is best.
What do you think is the biggest advantage of living in a
place where there are a lot of tourists? Are there advantages to living in a small town rather
Oh, what a question! I never thought about it until now than in a big city?
because I mostly think it's a bad thing to have so many In a small town you have more contact with people - if you
tourists in your town... but I suppose it's good for the shops like that then that's an advantage. Personally, I'm happy I
and hotels, and maybe some of the tourists are single and you don't have to talk to my neighbours. But having a sense of
can find true love. community can be very good for your health.

Do you think it is better for children to grow up in the

city or in the countryside?
Probably I'd say it's better to grow up in the countryside and
then live in the city, because when you're near a farm or a
forest or something you learn about nature - the names of
animals, trees, things like that. If you just live in the city you
don't really learn where food comes from and so on.
 Part 3 PRACTICE &
Discussion SAMPLE NASWER

02 The following are individual sample answers for common topics. Remember to make them interactive!

History Life and leisure

How do you think the teaching of history in schools could If you could change one thing about your life, what would
be improved? you change?
The main problem with history lessons is that sometimes Probably my body clock. I really envy those people who get up
they're really boring. And ten years later you watch a movie early and they've gone jogging and cleared their inbox before
about the thing you studied and it's actually fascinating. How I've even got out of bed! I'm a night owl, which is okay, but
do they take something interesting and make it so tedious? sometimes I think I'd get more done if was more like the
So, the teachers have to show students why this thing is Swiss.
worth studying. Many people say life's too busy these days. Why do you
think they say this?
Do you agree that learning about our past is important They are right, but it's our choice to live that like. You don't
for our future? have to be on Facebook and Whatsapp, and you don't have to
Of course, yes, because if we know what happened in the work five days a week and have four hobbies. Life is busy
1930s, we can try to stop it happening again now. I mean, because we make it busy, but it's possible to have a lot of
nobody today would vote for a right-wing extremist who wants things going on while being in control of your time.
to kick out all the foreign people and who is full of hate. Right?
Oh. Many people want to become famous nowadays. Why do
you think this is?
What was the most important moment in the history of Those famous people, we only see the good parts of their life.
the twentieth century? The movie premieres, their perfect wedding, all that stuff. Of
Definitely the start of the First World War, because that led to course, people want to have the same life - the reality is that
the Second World War and all the political and social changes. those famous people are no happier than any of us. It's all a
If the first war hadn't happened, I think everything would have fantasy.
gone differently. is it important to enjoy a job or do you think it's enough
to be paid well?
What has been the most important moment in your life so A wise man said that if you enjoy your job you'll never work a
far? day in your life. That's because if you like your job it doesn't
I think the most important day of my life was when I found a feel like work. It's almost like doing your hobby. I know some
website called FCE Exam Tips. I was studying for the First people like that and they are happy. I also know some people
exam but wasn't confident, and after reading the website I felt who have a lot of money but hate their job. They are always
like a king. Invincible. It made me happy to learn English, and depressed. For me, it's clear.
that meant I got a good job and I fell in love with a man from
How important is it to go on holiday every year?
England and now I live in a castle and ride ponies every day.
It's not important to go on holiday like a big trip for three
weeks. But it's important to take breaks and to do different
What items from our lives today will be in the history
things. If you do the same thing every day, every week, you'll
museums of the future?
go crazy. So, if a holiday is the thing that makes you do
Mobile phones, smartphones. Maybe an iPhone because that's
something different, then holidays are important.
the most iconic phone. I think those will be interesting for
people in the future because they will think 'what is this Some people say we don't spend enough time talking to
thing?' and in the museum there will be a note that says 'this each other these days. Do you agree?
is how people used to communicate' and it won't make any I think it's not true. You see people on the train all staring at
sense. They'll probably laugh at us. their phones and you think 'oh my god!' But actually, people
are as social as ever. They meet friends, they travel together,
they eat together. It's just on the surface that things look
different.
 Part 3 PRACTICE &
Discussion SAMPLE NASWER

03 The following are individual sample answers for common topics. Remember to make them interactive!

Shopping TV and FILMs

Some people say there will be no need for shops in the Is watching TV the best way for people to spend their
future because we'll buy everything online. What do you free time?
think? People know what they want and if they want to watch TV
Online shopping is getting more popular but there's a limit to that's okay with me. I think there are better things to do, but
what people will buy online. Books, DVDs, electronics - those sometimes you need some easy, relaxing time and that's
are things you can read about online and buy. But clothes and where TV is great.
things you have to touch and feel - people will always want to
see them in a shop first, maybe try them on. What kind of TV programmes do you like best?
I really like BBC documentaries about animals. How do they
Do you think it's true that we buy a lot of things we don't get so close to the animals? It's always fascinating and the
really need these days? quality of the show is so high. It looks great on my big TV.
I'm someone who tries to think about things before I buy,
maybe take a couple of weeks to see if I really need it. But Is television the best way of following the news in the
most people aren't like that - they just spend the money world?
without thinking. So, sadly, yes it's true. We're just shoppers Definitely not! TV stations are owned by rich men who want
now. you to think a certain way. They choose the news we see. The
internet is better, but you have to look at a few different
Do you think that out-of-town shopping centres are a sites to get a balanced view of events.
good idea?
Yes and no. Of course, it's very convenient and they are really Do you think watching TV is a good way to learn a
big so they have everything. But it's a shame to lose the local language?
shops and the variety of shops is much less than it used to be It's better than nothing but the problem is people think they
because the out-of-town shopping malls have killed so many can turn the TV on and start learning. I don't think that's how
smaller shops. I'd like to see more local shops, but I often go it works. You have to notice the words and the grammar they
to the out-of-town shops so I'm not really helping. are using in the TV show. You think 'oh, that's the present
perfect, I wonder why they used it in this situation?' If you do
Some people say that shopping ins a leisure activity that then the TV can be helpful.
nowadays. What do you think?
Yes, it's true in many ways. Shops are designed to be a fun What sort of films do you never watch?
event, not just for buying things. You can have a drink, sit I never watch horror movies and I don't understand why
down on comfy sofas, browse for a long time. I know a lot of other people like them! Why do you want to be scared? Plus, I
young people go to the mall the way I used to go to the park. have nightmares and feel weird the next day. It's not
They stay there the whole day. So yes, for some people it's a something I like at all.
hobby.
How important do you think it is to watch films in
Do you think that advertising encourages people to spend English?
too much money? It's not important at all, but I like movies and I like watching
Yes of course! They really know how to get into people's heads them in the original language. I find American movies easier
and they are experts in making us spend more money. But I to understand than British ones, but I prefer British English.
think we have to take responsibility, too. Just because we see
something shiny doesn't mean we should buy it
 Part 3
Discussion PRACTICE

03 Do the Speaking Test Part 3 below. Refer to your previous lessons’ handouts to help you.

STAGE 1
Interlocutor: Now I’d like you to talk about something together for about three minutes. The task will have two parts. In the first
part, you will discuss something with each other for about two minutes. Then in the second part, you will have
another one minute to make a decision together. All right? Let’s begin with the discussion task.

Online shopping is gaining popularity in our country. Here are some reasons why people shop online and a question for
you to discuss. First you have some time to look at the task.

no crowd

follow the time

trend saving

Why do
people shop
online?

wide better
variety price

convenient

Interlocutor: Now talk to each other about the reasons why people shop online.
STAGE 2
Interlocutor: Thank you. Now you have about a minute to decide together which is the most popular reason people shop online.

STAGE 3
Interlocutor: You’ve been talking about why people shop online, now let’s hear your opinion on this. In what ways does
advertising on social media influence people’s buying behaviour?

Interlocutor: Thank you. That’s the end of the speaking test.

.